When a eukaryotic cell is not undergoing mitosis, the dna and its associated proteins appear as a visible network of dark fibers called the?

Answer

When a eukaryotic cell is not undergoing mitosis, the DNA and its associated proteins appear as a visible network of dark fibers called the Chromatin.

Definition

Chromatin is a thread like structure that can be seen inside nucleus before cell division. It is a complex of DNA and histone proteins.

Forms of chromatin

Chromatin exist in two forms, that is

a. Euchromatin

It is less condensed and can be easily transcribed.

b. Heterochromatin

It is highly condensed and not transcribed as easy.

Organization of chromatin

Microscopy has shown the appearance of chromatin as beads on a string. The beads are called nucleosomes.

Nucleosome

Each nucleosome is composed of DNA wrapped around eight histone proteins. The nucleosome is then wrapped into a 30nm spiral called solenoid.